Is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hereditary?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the chronic blockage of airways in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. While rare, a genetic disorder known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also cause COPD. Most people have two normal copies of the gene. If you inherit one mutated gene, you are a carrier and can generally prevent COPD by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, if two alpha-1 deficient genes are inherited, you will likely develop COPD, despite any lifestyle precautions.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Direct or indirect tobacco smoking are the primary causes of COPD COPD is a leading cause of death in the US. Pollutants can also cause COPD, including fumes in an industrial workplace. COPD, as it's name indicates is an obstruction in the air passageways.